Throughout the day or at some point we’re all are going to have a moment of anxiety. It’s normal. It’s important for us to have some tools or positive affirmations to help us in those moments. I use this technique when I’ve really connected with a client, had an amazing conversation, and they feel like I truly listened to them but then for factors out of my control I can’t issue them a policy. The moment when that “Due to underwriting guidelines…” pops on my screen I instantly get tensed. Now I have to deliver some bad news. I take a deep breath and tell myself at least 3 positive affirmations. No matter what the circumstances are, we are in control. Here are some positive affirmations to get you through.
Those are some positive affirmations that you can repeat to yourself or aloud if you’re faced with a situation you may feel you’re losing a grip on. 17 THINGS I DO WHEN I’M FEELING ANXIOUS Pause. Take a deep breath. Remind yourself you are in control. Those thoughts aren’t valid and this too shall pass.
Love conquers all. Love wins. You deservelove. Love is a powerful thing. Love is action. You are loved. You are beautiful. You are amazing. You are special. You are a light that brighten up the day. No one could ever replace you. You bring joy to your family and friends. You are talented beyond measure. You are an inspiration to others. Love is all around you. You have the right to experiencelove. You are enough. Love always wins. Love heals.
Have a great day!!!! Love on yourself today. Give love today. It doesn’t have to be on a grand scale either. 20 LOVE AFFIRMATIONS
In the last couple of weeks after I do my morning journaling , I do some affirmations. I began doing these affirmations to boost my confidence in my new position and to help me get rid of the anxiety I began to carry about it. After several weeks I learned that it does give me mental reminders throughout the day. 10 DAILY REMINDERS FOR A POSITIVE MINDSET Because when we write things down we have a visual and action that stays in our mind. Depending on how I feel, some new affirmations come to light while there have been some that remain constant. If you’re feeling not so confident or need some mental reminders to boost your confidence and self esteem, take a moment to write some daily affirmations. Here are some of my favorite affirmations that gives me confidence
-I am a good agent -I am a good worker -I am a kind person -I am a good person -I am confident in who I am -I am good enough as I am today -I am a good mom -I am in control of my emotions -I am strong -I am doing my best -I am proud of myself -I believe in myself -I am beautiful -I have something to offer -I am deserving of all dreams, visions, and goals I have
Those are 15 affirmations that I do daily to keep my mental bank in overflow. The key to affirmations is not just writing them, but you have to believe what you’re telling yourself. Along with the beliefs you must rely on them when faced with a situations that gives you anxiety. When I’m faced with a tough task or client, I pause, and repeat at least 3 affirmations before resuming. I am able to take control, do my job, and not let them ruin my day. I remain in control of my emotions.
“We are born in 1 day. We die in 1 day. We can change in 1 day. We can fall in love in 1 day. Anything can happen in just 1 day.” – Gayle Forman
I saw this and it immediately hit hard for me. Recently going through this transition with this position that I love but has a steep learning curve has tested me. Just yesterday I had a conversation with myself on how I was going to approach each day. How positive and motivated I go into each day. Has changed my perspective and outlook on my work day. No matter what’s going on in your life, a new day will come. You have the right and choice to make that day the best it can be. Each day is a fresh start. Along with that, each day will have it’s peaks and valleys. It’s how you handle the good and the bad. Sometimes how we handle the good can effect our mental and emotional health as well. 10 DAILY SIMPLE SELF CARE ACTIVITIES THAT WORK A good way to start each day is with great expectations of goodness. Being thankful that you do have another day to do this thing called life again. Choosing to do something different than you did yesterday that you didn’t like. Continuing to learn and grow with what you did enjoy about yesterday. Lastly, going to bed with a full light heart. Don’t leave anything undone to carry over into the next. Before you lay head to pillow, empty out the negative. All it takes is one day to redirect your life, thoughts, and happiness. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!
As I really get good into my 40’s there are some lifestyle shifts taking place intentionally and some unintentional. I am proud to be my age, I don’t look my age, and I want to ensure I continue to be mindful and show my kids how to mature peacefully and with grace.
First I notice no matter what the situation is, I focus on the good and positive. No I don’t ignore what happened. But I don’t dwell on it either. I know from experience acknowledging what is, and moving on to the good is better for my mental health. As well as me progressing into the life I want to live. Focus on the good and keep positive.
Love my body, hair, and skin as is. I’m not willing to do anything unhealthy to get the ”perfect” body, hair, and skin. Having imperfection on my skin is normal and what makes me, me. Getting a little frizz I’ve come love, as it give me texture and volume. My body is amazing at this stage in my life after having 3 children. Love the body and skin you’re in. Just continue to take care of it and love it at every stage.
Following my heart and doing what makes me feel good. No more of me saying yes or volunteering myself when I don’t want to. We’re all guilty of this. But I’ve learned to let the guilt go of letting someone down. I no longer will put myself in an uncomfortable position to make someone else feel good.
Keeping things simple these last couple of years has helped my mental and emotionalwellness. One of my favorite sayings is, ”If I have to think about it more than once or if it’s taking me too long to make a decision then, it’s not worth it.” I’m not into going around the block to figure something out. I’ll go with my gut, and let the rest play out. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and not over analyze.
Moisture is key. Keeping my skin looking young and healthy is about me keeping moisturized. The skin on my body is essential as I mature. Focusing on my hands throughout the day is a priority for me now. I have skinny fingers. So when they get dry, they look like dried up french fries. Also my hair is a part of my moistureroutine. Moisturemoisturemoisture.
Enjoy nature as much as I can. Going for a walk and trying different trails and parks is very therapeutic. Being outside in nature is a freeing feeling and allows me to completely let my walls down. Hearing the different sounds and sometimes hearing nothing gives a good sense of peace. SELF CARE HABITS: 8 DAILY HABITS TO FEEL YOUR BEST
Treat myself often. Now this doesn’t have to be anything expensive. But if I want to have a latte from the coffee shop I’m going to treat myself. If I just want a new lipstick I will treat myself. Give back to yourself. Reward yourself. You deserve it and worked hard.
Less is more and I love it. Eliminating options on a daily allows me to be more productive. It begins in the morning by keeping my routine simple to jump start the day. SIMPLE SELF CARE MORNING ROUTINE WHEN FEELING BLUE Keeping clothes, jewelry, meals, and schedule simple prevents overwhelming episodes from happening. Don’t make life difficult.
Those are 8 differences I noticed since being in my 40’s. I’m loving this stage of my life and I know if I continue I’ll be better for myself and my family. Have fun, keep things simple, and take care of yourself.
”You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.”-Buddha
Everyone has a right to get mad, angry, and upset. No matter what we do in life, or how hard we work on ourselves something is going to bother us. However, it’s what we do in that moment of anger. How do you handle your anger? MOTIVATIONAL HEALING: LEARN YOUR SOURCE OF ANGER If you choose to act on it and make the other person feel just as hurt as you, then you’ll probably regret the results in the long run. On the other hand, if you choose to way your options, not respond, or take time responding you’ll be more at peace with how you handled your anger. I’m a firm believer in matching someone’s anger is what makes us most angry. We’ve allowed someone to have power and control over our emotions. Training your mind to remain calm and in control in every situation will help when we are having our moments. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!!
”Suffering is not holding you, you are holding suffering.”-Buddha
We always say we’re stuck. But are we really stuck? Being in the state of “stuck” is a mindset. Most of the time we’re still holding on to the pain when it has long left us. It’s hard to admit, but the lingering pain and trauma from events that has occurred in our life, is due to our own doing. We’re holding it hostage when it’s time to heal and grow. MOTIVATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL: JUST LET IT GOLet go of the pain, hurt, and anger to free yourself. You deserve to be free of pain and live in peace. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!
We’ve all experienced those days that are blue. We feel tired, not interested in getting out of bed, eating, or talking to anyone. Sadly if we don’t get up and just lay in the bed, it could turn into something darker than we want it to or need to. So here is a simple morning routine you can do when you’re feeling blue.
5a.m.-7a.m.-Wake up early even if you don’t have anywhere to go or nothing to do. Laying in bed too long effects not only your mental psyche but your physical body will get stiff and soar. Just getting out of bed is an accomplishment in itself. It signals the brain that you care about yourself and you want to be somebody that day.
7a.m.-7:15a.m.-Affirm yourself and the day. Once you wake up, sit up in the bed and firstaffirm ”Today is going to be a great day.” ”I am deserving of all the good that is going to come to me today.” Then take 5 more minutes to pray and thank God for giving you breath in your body and movement in your limbs to make it another day. Or you can opt to meditate for 5 minutes and focus on your breathing and being in the moment.
7:15a.m.-7:30a.m.-Instant boosts of energy. Get out of bed and stretch. Then make your bed up. That is another small self care activity that provides a sense of accomplishment. Do a good body stretch to awaken your blood flow, bones, and circulation. This will give you an instant boost of energy and motivation to want to proceed with your day. After stretching open your blinds and curtains. Even if it’s raining or gloomy out. If you can, open the window for some fresh air.
7:30-8a.m.-Spend time with yourself. Head to the bathroom and freshen up. During this time look at your beautiful face in the mirror. Take your time having a moment alone to yourself. In this moment, shower, brush teeth, wash face, do your hair, and makeup if you want to. Put on something cute but comfy. Lastly, give yourself another instant boost of confidence by putting on some perfume.
8a.m.-8:30a.m.-Feed your soul. Have yourself a bottle water. Take some vitamins or medications if you’re required to have them. Fix yourself a nice colorful and healthy breakfast. HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: 5 SIMPLE AND QUICK BREAKFAST IDEAS Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Sit down and enjoy your breakfast that you made for yourself. No phones or distractions allows you to once again be in the moment and intentional.
8:30a.m.-9a.m.-Connect mentally and emotionally. Take time to journal and reflect on how you’re feeling. Brainstorm your life, goals, dreams, and desires. Write down what you need to do, have accomplished, and prioritize the list. This gives you an opportunity to purge out the negative, motivation to take steps later in the day towards your goal, and a place to hold yourself accountable. Also during this time you may read a book, listen to a podcast, or watch a motivational video to get your spiritual tank full. Try an affirmationjournal like the one below to help you build your confidence and self esteem. https://amzn.to/3aIMKxY
This is just an example morning routine you can do when not feeling your best. Each step is to motivate, provide energy, and give a small sense of accomplishment. You may adjust steps, times, or anything needed to suit your needs. The goal is to get yourself back on track.
We just reached the half year mark. Have you accomplished any of your New Year goals? Are they even still goals of yours? We have six months to make a difference and hold ourselves accountable. While the weather is nice and we have more daylight, now is the time to do some self reflecting. Here are 7 journal prompts for self reflection.
What do I enjoy doing over and over again without getting bored that I will do for free?
List the 10 most interesting characteristics about yourself. (It could be physical, mental, emotional, talent, dream, desires, or whatever makes you you.)
What are three things I do well?
What is one goal that keeps making it to my list that I start but don’t finish, never start, or too afraid to start?
What do I need to let go of, but having a hard time doing?
List three things I can do everyday to make myself feel better? (If you can write more, then do so.)
What are my favorite ways to unwind?
As you begin to reflect remember to be as detailed as possible. No detail is ever too small. The more in depth you’re able to go, the better your self awareness you’ll become. In result, leading you to your goal of living the life you want. Use the link provided to begin journaling to a better you. https://amzn.to/3xbjxmA These journal prompts are for you to have a deeper dive into who you are now and where you want to go. There aren’t any right or wrong answers here. MENTAL HEALTH AND SELF CARE IS FREE
Journaling for self reflection is a great way to check in on ourselves. This is one way to hold ourselves accountable. Also gives you a mental check on where we are and where we need to go. Furthermore, self reflecting journal prompts gives us an insight on what’s working and where we may need to adjust our self care. These 7 self reflecting journal prompts help me to get clarity on what I wanted to do with my time, who I wanted to spend my time with, and how I show up in certain relationships.
“I can’t afford to lose my job or take time off work to seek mental health treatment is there anything I can do”
YES!!!!! Your mental health and self care is free. Just because you have a strict schedule, job, or boss doesn’t mean you can’t practice self care. Having a lack of resources at your finger tips won’t hinder you from developing good self care habits. You’ve taken the first step in acknowledging you need and want a better care for yourself. Right now you have an abundance of resources it’s just how you use them.
First, you can pretend like you do have a therapist and journal. Journaling For Mental Health, TRY IT This is free of cost, free for your spirit and the first step to acknowledging your honest true feelings and emotions. To journal you can purchase a notebook for less than a dollar. If you want to throw in some extra couple bucks, purchase some affirmation stickers to decorate it for less than $3. (This is what my daughter did, and her notebook is so pretty and tailored to her.) Now you have a personalized journal that gives you positive affirmations and thoughts to repeat before opening and pouring your heart out. Once you have a journal begin with what sparked you to want a better mental health. 7 HEALING JOURNAL PROMPTS FOR A PEACEFUL WEEK What are the triggers, event, or persons behind your emotions?
As you begin to heal and grow, you can opt to save for a really good journal that will help you develop all around wellness. Try this beautiful journal that’s less than $10 to get you started when you’ve saved enough to purchase it. https://amzn.to/3HaANwQ
Next, you can use your phone that’s at your finger tips to get dailymotivation. Make a decision and choice to ONLY seek positive content. Once you only click or search positive content the algarithm will then flood your feed with that content. It has worked for me and I can truly say it helps to not even see a negative title or headline. YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram has some amazing quotes, scriptures, passages, reminders, and hope to keep you fueled thoughout the day. Also begin to distance yourself or limit your interactions with those who aren’t feeding you like you want to be fed. Your motivation and encouragement doesn’t just have to come from digital. That one person that only calls, text, or have a negative story isn’t good for your mental health. Delete social media if you have too. ALL MY SOCIAL MEDIA APPS DELETED
Thirdly, focus on you. Wake up a little early. Make sure you look good and feel good about your appearance before heading out. Focus on your physical health. Do some walking, gardening, hiking, biking, or any activity to keep your body moving. Exercise and sweat out some toxins. Schedule in your activity. Create a schedule for the week, month, and day. Have an outline of what you have to do. This ensures you aren’t overwhelmed, you can make time for yourself, and still being productive at work and at home. The schedule is free because you can create it on your phone. Schedule your meals, activity, laundry, cleaning day, and this will give you something to hold yourself accountable. If you can use resources at work, email it to yourself and print it. The schedule is also a good way for you to begin to create boundaries and say NO!!!!!! Saying no and creating boundaries is free.
The fourth thing you can do to get a handle on your mental health is seek a spiritual community. Having a community of people to share, pray, and worship is the best way to filter out the bad and keep the good. If you choose to worship on Sunday in person that is great, but you can also do so using the phone you already have. The first I thing I do every morning is have time with God. In the form of music, a sermon on youtube, or me having my own prayer session. Get rooted in faith and hope.
The fifth is to use your time wisely. While you’re on break at work you can journal, listen to a podcast, read a book, or watch a quick motivational video. Opt to have lunch alone so you can get what you need without judgement, interruptions, or criticism. If you are cooking dinner, listen to a sermon on youtube. Find an inspiration channel that feeds your soul. When I clean and do laundry I put my earbuds in and let the universe speak to me. You are moving and getting exercise, while feeding your mind with positive energy, and getting things done on your list. All of this is free and good for your mental health. You’ve developed habits.
The sixth free thing you can do for your mental health is develop routines. A good morning routine to get your day started. This will ensure you are in a good headspace to conquer the day. Even when things seem to go sour, you’ll have tools and motivation in your spiritual bank to pull from. Next a good night routine to wind yourself down. How was your day? What didn’t you like that you can work on? What was good about the day? Release it to make room for a clear slate the next day. MID WEEK MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS
Lastly, give yourself permission to feel. You will have good days and some bad days until your habits become second nature. But continue to push through and work through it. Each bump in the road is a teaching moment. Don’t ignore them. Listen to them and ask yourself why am I reacting this way or feeling this way. The good news is because you did this on your own without seeking a paid counselor the reward in understanding and growth will be just that much greater.
